THE ID GENÈVE PRINCIPLE
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Local
The transport of stainless steel has a significant impact on the carbon footprint of watches. Although it is common to use Asian steel for watch production, ID Genève focuses on local sourcing.
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Recycled
The steel scrap is systematically "flashed" to ensure it contains only grade 4441 steel. The challenge lies in preserving the steel's properties during the recycling process.
316L stainless steel is used for surgical instruments because the formula contains molybdenum, which, among other things, helps prevent allergies.
The 4441 is the Rolls Royce of steels in this category. Due to its formulation, it is very homogeneous and, when polished, retains its beauty for a long time!
The entire process, from collection to smelting, takes place within a 200 km radius. The recycling rate varies slightly for each batch. The batch from which our watches are made is 100% recycled. -
Re-used
ID Genève uses exclusively refurbished, automatic Swiss movements. They are robust, easily repairable worldwide, and offer the same performance as new movements. The servicing of the movements is carried out in Switzerland.
Ribbons – the subtle difference
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Manufacturing rethought
Biophilicais a London-based biotechnology company that develops 100% bio-based material solutions for the fashion, footwear, packaging, furniture, household goods and automotive industries.
In collaboration with ID Genève, Biophilica produces a fully plant-based material for the production of watch straps. -
Belts made from green waste
In the laboratory in the British capital, the innovative team led by Mira Nameth has developed a textile material made from green waste. Remarkably, this was achieved without the addition of chemical binders or plastics. In close collaboration with ID Genève, the process has been refined to the point where it can offer tapes that are industrially compostable at the end of their life cycle. The material is soft like rubber and comes in beautiful dark plant colors.
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Re-used
In northern Italy, a start-up company had the brilliant idea of using wine waste to produce a leather-like textile. Tests at ID Genève's Geneva laboratory have shown that such a bracelet is of optimal quality. Note that approximately 20% PU still needs to be added for reinforcement.
Considering that 27 billion liters of wine are produced every year, it should be possible to obtain 3 billion m² of such material annually.”Gianpiero Tessitore
THE TEAM
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NICOLAS FREUDIGER – CEO & Co-Founder
The founder
The first is Nicolas, a born entrepreneur who has been passionate about watchmaking since childhood and studies at the Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne. There he researches 21st-century service, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
He's spending his vacation at Baselworld! As a dedicated volunteer, he's patiently examining the world of watchmaking. His project is slowly but surely taking shape…
He gained his professional experience at Coca-Cola HBC as a Digital & e-Commerce Manager. There, he learned about collective intelligence. He knows that success lies in the alliance of talent and trusting relationships. But at Coca-Cola, his values weren't present. He yearned for a circular economy, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.
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SINGAL DEPÈRY – Designer & Co-Founder
The designer
The other is the dreamer, the designer. A true product of the Swiss melting pot. Raised in Ticino with parents from Zurich, he grew up in the mountains of the Valle Onsernone by candlelight, far from civilization. Bilingual (Swiss German and Italian), he added French during his design studies at ECAL in Lausanne.
Since then he has worked as a freelancer in Lausanne, designing objects for street furniture and watches for the Swiss watch industry.
He envisions universes and designs collections, builds 3D models, and works closely with suppliers. Chinese, Serbian, Italian, and Swiss suppliers—he loves to create simple and ethical human relationships. His desire is to create a brand that respects both the environment and people.
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CÉDRIC MULHAUSER – COO & Co-Founder
The watchmaker
The third protagonist of this story is Cédric, the watchmaker. He embodies Genevan authenticity, having been shaped by the renowned Geneva School of Watchmaking. With a diploma in watchmaking, followed by specialization in microtechnology, he took his first steps in the world of watchmaking at Vacheron Constantin. He then took over the management of the production workshop at a small Geneva watch manufacturer, where he quickly rose to technical and operational leadership positions. This invaluable experience, combined with his renowned expertise, has allowed him to explore all facets of watchmaking at major brands.
Naturally hyperactive and always with an open ear for others, Cédric brings an essential structure to the production of ID Genève, while allowing himself to be carried away into fantasy by his co-founders Nico and Singal.
